Rebecca Manzi Grizzly bear “The Boss” is a huge bear who survived being hit by two trains twice: he is a legend in Banff National Park, Canada
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“The Boss,” also known as Bear 122, is a renowned grizzly bear in Banff National Park, Canada. Because of his huge size and bold nature, The Boss has become an icon of survival and might in the wild. Weighing between 500 and 650 pounds depending on the season, he is a force to be reckoned with in the park, usually getting the prime food sources and stalking other predators such as wolves and coyotes with ease. His remarkable toughness is demonstrated by his capacity to survive traumatic experiences, for instance, being hit by a train twice, but still coming out unharmed on both occasions.
A bear of exceptional size and survival skills
Perhaps the most obvious feature of The Boss is his vast range. This grizzly roams over as much as 580 square miles, crossing the park and at times getting near the town of Banff, where he is observed to forage for food. His frequent presence near human habitation has caused concern for local authorities, but due to interventions by Parks Canada, The Boss is usually given elbow room to roam across highways and settled areas without putting people or himself in harm’s way.
The boss: a father to many
He is purported to have fathered up to 70% of the grizzlies in the park. At about 25 to 27 years of age, The Boss is elderly for a grizzly, with the average lifespan in the wild being 20 to 25 years. Despite his age, he remains in good health and still has dominance over other grizzlies in the region. His longevity also owes something to the amazing survival technique he possesses, having weathered many challenging situations throughout his existence, from altercations involving rival bears to near-fatal mishaps.
The heritage of a real-life legend
The fame of The Boss has grown over the years, as most Banff National Park tourists hope to catch a glimpse of the legendary bear. His distinctive appearance—marked by a missing chunk of his right ear and a patch of missing fur on his face—is easily recognizable. While The Boss revels in the glory that comes with his infamy, he remains committed to his wild ways, oblivious to his fame.
The Boss and the future of the grizzly population
One of the most fascinating things about The Boss’s life is his role in the grizzly population of Banff. He is believed to have sired as much as 70% of the grizzlies in the park, a testament to his dominance and genetic lineage. Wildlife underpasses and DNA sampling are used by Parks Canada to follow the animals as they move through the park, confirming The Boss’s existence among the grizzlies in the park. To the fortunate few that catch a sight of him, The Boss represents the wild – a powerful and enduring force amidst one of the most beautiful Canadian national parks.
